Interior Design Schools Interior Design Colleges Interior Design Programs Interior Design Classes
Interior Design Courses Interior Design Courses Online Interior Design Schools Online Interior Design Degrees
Interior Design Degrees Online

Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Pompano Beach FL residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Pompano Beach Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. So besides providing an outstanding education, the Pompano Beach FL school you choose should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Pompano Beach FL business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Pompano Beach FL schools you are evaluating and ask what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior design colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Pompano Beach FL programs you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Pompano Beach home, visit the college and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer school you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Pompano Beach FL, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.